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Sunday, 14 June 2015

Health Tips for the Elderly and Seniors

1. Don't begrudge spending money on your own comfort,
health and quality of life. You deserve it!

FOR THE OVER-60'S - The government's annual fuel
allowance of Pds200 is meant to be used for our warmth and comfort, and to ease
the worry of the increased heating bill.

The Winter Fuel Payments Help line is 0845 9 151515 If
you are receiving a disability or income-related benefit, you may be able to
claim a grant of up to Pds2,500 for insulation and heating improvements. Call
Home Energy Efficiency Scheme 0800 952 0600. If you receive disability and
income-related benefits you can claim Cold Weather Payments if the temperature
falls below 00 C for 7 consecutive days.

There is also the
Staywarm scheme. For a fixed charge you can use as much gas or electricity as
you need. 0800 1 694 694

Finally, if you are unable to pay your winter fuel bill,
in the first instance contact your supplier explaining your problem and
informing them that you are a pensioner. Good news worth remembering, is that
electricity companies and British Gas have a policy of not disconnecting
pensioners between 1 October and 31 March - so keep warm and don't panic.

2. Keep your mind active, crosswords, sudoka, hobbies,
etc.

NEVER STOP LEARNING. If you have an interested mind,
people are more likely to enjoy your company and be interested in you.

3. Keep your body active.

As the saying goes, if you don't use it, you'll lose it
Walk in the fresh air if possible. If you enjoy company while you are walking
then join a rambling group. (Often 'rambling clubs' for the retired are more
socially inclined 'ambling clubs'). Gardening combines the benefits of fresh
air, exercise and the results can give you immeasurable pleasure. Dancing;
particularly formation or line dancing exercises the memory also. Swimming, is
a particularly good exercise for all parts of the body with the added advantage
that the water is supporting you and therefore there is no weight on the
joints.

4. Feed your body with the correct foods.

You wouldn't expect your car to work efficiently if you
fed it the incorrect fuel. So feed your body with nutritious foods that contain
the necessary vitamins and minerals in order for it to return optimum
performance. With winter approaching we need to build up our immune system, so
in addition to a well balanced diet of fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and
nourishing protein (laced with the benefits of virgin olive oil and garlic), we
should add a few supplements to help us on our way. In addition to a good
multi-vitamin tablet, you'll probably benefit from extra Vitamin C, Echinacea,
EPA fish oils, selenium, ginko biloba to aid circulation, particularly to the
extremities, and glucosomine to help with those aching joints.

Don't forget your flu jab and the jab against pneumonia
for the over 70's. There is also really excellent news on the common cold
front. At long last there appears to be something that stops a cold developing.
Vicks First Defence is a spray that you use at the first sign of a cold and it
stops the cold virus in its tracks. This miracle goes on sale during October
05.

5 Socialise.

Possibly I don't have to remind you about this as the
majority of retired folk I meet complain that they are busier now than ever
they were, that there are not enough hours in the day, and they wonder how they
ever found time to go to work.

There are so many clubs and groups to join. To name a few
popular ones, U3A (University of the Third Age) for both sexes and with
interesting speakers, and offering numerous sub sections for specific group
interests and hobbies, Women's Institute, (has gained a new image after the
film Calendar Girls), Townswomen's Guild, Gardening Clubs, Art Clubs, etc., and
many clubs aimed specifically at the retired.

If transport is a problem, remember most local
authorities offer free or reduced bus fares for senior citizens and travel
tokens for the disabled. There is a Senior Railcard for reduced train fares for
the over 60's. National Express have a Routesixty Scheme which enables over
60's to travel nationwide very cheaply (Tel 08705 808080). Also, occasionally, National
Express offer their 'go anywhere for Pds5 scheme'.

If you have difficulty in getting around the town, then
there is Shopmobility where you can hire mobility scooters (various models and
sizes available) and electric and manual wheelchairs. Shopmobility is usually
manned by helpers who will be only too pleased to instruct and allow you to
practice before you are let loose on the town. Also there is the added
advantage that there is usually a free car park attached to Shopmobility for
clients' convenience. If you have difficulty in using public transport, often
local authorities provide a 'dial-a-ride' service from your home to the
shopping centre.